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Sixth annual Fozz Fest to be held Saturday

Marisa Johnson and Bethany Anderson dance to the live music in downtown Bemidji during Fozz Fest in September 2017. (Pioneer file photo)

BEMIDJI -- Going into its second year at a new location, the annual Fozz Fest will be held Saturday in downtown Bemidji on Third Street in front of Fozzie’s Smokin’ Bar BQ.

The event kicks off at 11 a.m. and will continue until midnight, encompassing a variety of activities and entertainment. Although it is the sixth annual year for the event, it is only the second year it will be held at the downtown location after the restaurant/bar opened.

“(Last year) was a pretty strong turnout. We certainly served a lot more food,” organizer Jason Schmitt said about moving to the new location. “We definitely saw an increase in population.”

The event originally took place in Schmitt’s yard, when Fozzie’s Smokin’ Bar BQ was operated out of a food truck. And while the event now may attract more people, Schmitt said it’s slightly outgrown its original atmosphere.

“The drawback is there’s that homey, more comfortable feeling being in someone’s yard off the lake,” Schmitt said.

The day will be filled with both concerts, as well as activities and -- of course, plenty of food.

Jordan Shearer covers crime and social issues for the Bemidji Pioneer. A Rochester native and Bemidji State grad, he previously spent several years in western Nebraska writing for the Keith County News. Follow him on Twitter @Jmanassa